4-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai authorities have seized a massive haul of crystal methamphetamine and other illicit substances, arresting two suspected smugglers in the process. The drugs, totaling 110 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, were believed to be destined for sale in Bangkok and surrounding provinces during the upcoming Songkran festival.
The operation, led by Pol Gen Kitrat Panphet, the acting national police chief, and senior officers, unfolded at a hotel in the Rong Muang area of Pathumwan district on Thursday morning. The cache of crystal methamphetamine and 60 kilogrammes of ketamine were discovered hidden in a Honda H-RV parked at the hotel.
The investigation, however, did not stop there. Police extended their probe, leading to the seizure of additional drugs at a nearby condominium unit, including 7,000 speed pills, 1.4 kilogrammes of heroin, 8 kilogrammes of crystal meth or “ice”, 1.5 kilogrammes of ketamine, and 2,000 ecstasy pills.
The operation was a joint effort between officers from the Patrol and Special Operation Division, also known as the 191 police, and the Metropolitan Police Bureau.
Acting on intelligence that drugs would be brought to the hotel for distribution, the authorities apprehended two suspects in the hotel’s parking area. The duo confessed to transporting the drugs from Saraburi province to the hotel.
One of the suspects, 35-year-old Khwan Arsaphorn, admitted to being the driver of the vehicle containing the drugs. He revealed that this was his third such delivery, for which he was paid 50,000 baht each time.
The second suspect, 25-year-old Khwan Ploysrisuai, was arrested as he arrived on a motorcycle with another individual to collect the drugs from the car park around 7 am. The third suspect managed to flee the scene.
Pol Gen Kitrat stated that police are actively seeking a warrant for the arrest of the third suspect.
According to the police report, the seized drugs were intended for sale to both Thai and foreign nationals at various tourist venues in Bangkok and surrounding areas during the Songkran festival, the country’s iconic New Year celebrations.
The successful operation represents a significant blow to the drug trade and underscores the authorities’ commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for the upcoming festivities.
